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6 December 2025, Vienna, Austria — On Saturday, 6 December, from 18:00 to 21:00, VATA welcomed art lovers to its end-of-year Vernissage at Hütteldorferstraße 128, Top 02, 1140 Vienna.
Among the featured artists was Lisa Ante Pangan, “a Vienna-based artist and healthcare professional whose work bridges the worlds of contemporary art and compassionate care. As the lead nurse at an IVF institute with over 15 years of experience, she brings a unique, empathetic perspective to both her art and her profession. Lisa’s artwork is marked by a distinct blend of gouache, coffee, and elements of floral and embryonic imagery, creating pieces that evoke warmth, introspection, and connection.
Her creative practice explores multiple dimensions of identity and belonging, with a particular focus on diaspora art. Lisa reflects on the complex experience of navigating various cultural identities and the search for self within the diaspora. This theme intertwines with her use of flower and embryo imagery, symbolizing the delicate process of growth and transformation— both in the context of human life and artistic creation. The use of coffee as an unconventional medium adds a tactile depth to her work, enhancing the emotional resonance of her pieces while inviting viewers to connect with the textures and stories she conveys.
In Lisa’s work, the intersection of these themes—diaspora, the beginning of life, and the raw, earthy quality of coffee—creates a rich, layered narrative that explores the beauty and complexity of identity, creativity, and healing. (Lisa Ante Arts.Vienna – Visual Artist Portfolio of Lisa Ante)
The event, which commenced with warm welcome remarks from the VATA co-founder Jacques van Engel and included an Agape, was graced by the presence of Gerry De Guzman, President of FVAA, along with other members and supporters of the Filipino art community in Austria.
Also present was ENFiD-Austria Chairperson, whose participation underscored ENFiD-Austria’s ongoing commitment to supporting Filipino talent in the diaspora.
VATA — co-founded by Andy Nabong (Art Instructor) and Jacques van Engel (Senior Administrator) — has established itself as a leading atelier in Vienna offering classes and open-studio sessions in traditional and academic drawing and painting techniques. With a welcoming and inclusive environment, VATA provides a platform where artists from diverse backgrounds can learn, grow, and showcase their work — bringing together communities through shared creativity.
The Vernissage was a joyful celebration of multicultural artistry, community support, and the power of art to build bridges. VATA continues to be a vibrant hub for artistic exchange and cultural connection in Vienna.
For more information about VATA, upcoming workshops or exhibitions, please visit viennaatelier.com or contact info@viennaatelier.com
Photos: ctto Charito Calixto Leidenfrost, Lisa Pangan
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria), and a current ENFiD Adviser. She is also the 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), a member of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), Treasurer of the VIC Music Club, and Activities Coordinator of the VIC Art Club. In addition she is a Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor of the European Police Association (EPA), a member awardee of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and a member of the Order of the Golden Spur.
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